The Practical Volunteering Handbook

Chapter 1: Introduction

From: The Practical Volunteering Handbook for School and Club Volunteers

We are delighted to present the Practical Volunteering Handbook for School and Club Volunteers! This guide draws from decades of experience and research to pull together everything we know about finding and keeping volunteers. 

Introduction 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful fundraising effort. While financial support is crucial—through purchasing products, attending events, or securing sponsorships—equally important is volunteer support. Volunteers help out with various tasks and events, providing the necessary human resources to drive your initiatives forward. However, don't assume either type of support will just happen. Actively communicating and engaging with your community is essential to building a robust volunteer base.

Understanding the Challenges

Recruiting and retaining volunteers comes with its own set of challenges. Recognising these obstacles will help you develop strategies to overcome them.

Time Constraints

Parents’ time is precious and often stretched thin due to work and family commitments. The demands of modern life mean that many parents are juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving little room for additional activities like volunteering.

Competing Activities

Children are involved in various activities outside of school, such as sports, music lessons, and clubs, making it challenging for parents to commit to volunteering. This competition for time and attention can be a significant barrier to securing regular volunteers.

Family Dynamics

Different age groups and multiple commitments can divide family energies. Parents with young children might find it difficult to volunteer due to childcare needs, while those with teenagers might be busy supporting their older children's activities and academic pursuits.

Making Volunteering Appealing

To attract and retain volunteers, you need to make the experience appealing. This involves ensuring that volunteering opportunities are easy to understand, well-communicated, and accommodating to various needs. Effective leadership plays a critical role in this process, as leaders can inspire and motivate volunteers by demonstrating passion and commitment.

Supporting Accessibility

Ensure volunteering is accessible to everyone, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued will not only expand your pool of potential volunteers but also enrich your community with diverse perspectives and talents.

The Practical Volunteering Handbook - Overview

This handbook is designed to guide you through the essential steps of finding and recruiting volunteers. Each chapter addresses a crucial aspect of volunteer recruitment and management, providing practical tips and strategies to help you build a strong and dedicated volunteer base.

Chapter 2 - Make it Fun (aka Don't Be Boring)

Making volunteering fun and engaging is key to attracting and retaining volunteers. This chapter will explore creative ways to make your volunteer opportunities enjoyable and rewarding.

Chapter 3 - Welcoming New Families

Highlighting your organisation’s mission, values, and achievements can inspire potential volunteers to join your cause. This chapter will discuss how to effectively showcase your organisation to appeal to volunteers.

Chapter 4 - Communication is Key

Clear and consistent communication is vital in engaging volunteers. This chapter will cover best practices for communicating with your community and potential volunteers.

Chapter 5 - Creating a Sense of Purpose

Volunteers are more likely to stay committed if they feel a sense of purpose. This chapter will delve into how to create and communicate a compelling vision that resonates with volunteers.

Chapter 6 - Recruiting Volunteers

Personal requests, breaking tasks into smaller parts, and offering virtual volunteering options can make it easier for people to commit. This chapter will explore these strategies in detail.

Chapter 7 - Thanking Volunteers

Recognising and appreciating volunteers’ contributions is crucial for retention. This chapter will highlight ways to celebrate success and show gratitude to your volunteers.

Chapter 8 - Volunteer Challenges

Every volunteer program faces challenges. This chapter will identify common obstacles and provide solutions to overcome them.

Chapter 8 - Expand Your Recruiting

Reaching out beyond your immediate network can bring in new volunteers. This chapter will discuss how to expand your recruiting efforts and tap into new sources of volunteer support.

Chapter 9 - Succession Planning

Planning for the future ensures the sustainability of your volunteer program. This chapter will guide you through creating a succession plan to maintain leadership and continuity.

By understanding the challenges and implementing the strategies outlined in this handbook, you can create a vibrant and committed volunteer community. Remember, successful volunteer recruitment is about more than just filling slots; it's about building connections, fostering a sense of purpose, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.